Extreme Sailing race to debut at Marina Bay

Colourful "extreme 40" catamarans line up at the Marina Bay as part of an Extreme Sailing Series exhibition event that took place at the Marina Bay from Dec 9 to Dec 11, 2011. The Extreme Sailing Series, a global racing event, is set to make its debut in Singapore from April 11 to 14, 2013. -- PHOTO: LLYOD IMAGES

By Chan U-Gene

The Extreme Sailing Series, a global racing event, is set to make its debut in Singapore.

The Marina Bay will host the second of eight legs of this year's race from April 11 to 14.

Now into its seventh season, the series kicks off at Muscat, Oman, in March and will cover eight locations, including China, Turkey, Portugal, Britain, France and Brazil, over three continents.

The Extreme Sailing Series is a unique concept, pitting some of the best professional sailing teams in the world against each other on identical Extreme 40 catamarans. The courses are challenging and tactical, and close to shore, which provides spectacular, stadium-style entertainment for the public. Boats racing in the Extreme 40 class can reach speeds of 40 knots.